Amalgamator.



N n. 705,095. Patented luly 22, |902.

- P. A. KNAPPE.

AMALGAMATOR.

(Application med mr. 7, 1902.)

(lo Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT Ormea.

PAUL A. KNAPPE, OF GRANTVILLE, GEORGIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO AMERICAN AMALGAMATING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF GEORGIA.

AIVIALGAMATOR.

SPEClFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 705,095, dated. July 22, 1902. Application tiled March '7, 1902. Serial No. 97,035. (No model.)

To all whom t puny concern:

Be it known that I, PAUL A.'KNA1 PE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Grantville, in the county of Coweta and "State of Georgia, have invented an Improvement inv Amalgamators, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

1o My invention relates toV amalgamators of the type employing free mercury. Amalgamation by free mercury when carried out successfully possesses many advantages over other methods of extracting the precious I5 metals; but in its practical application didiculties are encountered which have hereto-l fore rendered the amalgamators employed commercially inefficient. One ot the essential requisites is that the pulp or mixture of 2o comminuted ore and water should be so thoroughly intermingled with the mercury that the greatest possible portion of metal may have contact therewith to form the result-ant amalgam. On the other hand, this intermin gling must be carried out in such a manner as to prevent too violent an Y agitation of the mercury, since the latter iseasily floured or finely dissipated, in which condition it is unfit for further amalgamation, being carried 3o oit with the Waste product, resulting in a loss of the mercury as well as of'the more precious amalgam with which it may be associated. During this intermingling process, owing to the difference in specific gravity, the bulk of the mercury tends to remain at the bottom of the receptacle in which the amalgamation is being carried on, and the pulp tends to remain uppermost, there being a strong tendency to resist any force impelling the 'mer- 4o cury upward or the pulp downward. It has heretofore been practically impossible to obtain a form ot' agitation that would cause proper mixture without ilouring the mercury. The subsequent separation of the waste, commonly called gan'gue7 or sandf from the amalgam is ordinarily a process of settling dependent upon the difference in specific gravity between the two substances. The

mixture during the separation must be undisturbed to the extent of permitting the particles to rise nor descend according to their relative specific gravity. On the other hand, some disturbance of the mass must still be maintained to free the intermingled particles of mercury and amalgam from the gangue or sand and admit of their free circulation and ready response to the laws of gravitation;

` otherwise a large percentage of the amalgam will pass oi'T" with the gangue.

My invention aims to provide an amalga- 6o mator which shall so combine the various essentials'above mentioned as to produce better results than have heretofore been possible.

An understanding of my invention will be best obtained from consideration of a structure illustrating the same, it being understood, however, that the invention is. not restricted to the particular structure disclosed.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of my improved 7o amalgamator. Fig. 2 is a broken central 1ongitudinal sectional view of the same shown on a larger scale. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3 3 in Fig. 2, and Fig.

4 is a similar sectional view on the line 4L et. 75

In the drawings, A represents a cylindrical tube having flanged ends, by which it is ooaXially bolted at one end to a similar tube B of greater diameter and at the other end to a head C. At the opposite end of the tube B 8o is a similar head C', bolted through similar iianges. The heads C C provide stuffingboxes D DQ forming therewith bearings for the shaft E, which passes" throughout the length of the two tubes and is provided at one end with a suitable pulley F, through which proper rotary movement may be imparted to said shaft E.

The amalgamator-tubes formed as above described carry trunnions t l', resting in up- 9o rights S S. An inlet or feed pipe a for the introduction of pulp enters near the leading end of the tube A through an opening in a boss cast on the upper side of said tube A. Directly beneath the entrance of said tube A is placed a shield c, which maybe of metal or other suitable material and is removably iitted in the side of the tube A in any convenient manner. A gangue or Waste discharge pipe d has communication with the too tube B, preferably near the upper outer end thereof. At the under side of the tube B and preferably near its outer end is cast a boss, in which is screwed the plug g, containing a draw-off pipe h for the mercury, controlled by the valve 'L'.

As a convenient means for draining the amalgamator, butfOrming no essential feature thereof, I have shown a slight troughlike depression formed, preferably, in the under wall of the tube B and diminishing in depth from the outerend of said tube toward the initial end, where the cross-section of the tube is substantially circular. This depression is so slight as to be scarcely perceptible in the View shown in Fig. l, but will be more readily understood by inspection of Fig. 2 and the cross-section shown in Fig. 4.

A pipej for the discharge of water or other fluid into the amalgamator enters the same, preferably, at the point of juncture of the tube B With the tube A, being adapted to discharge its contents in a forwardly-inclined direction under the control of the valve k. It is to be understood, however, that I am not limited to the const-ruction shown and that any suitable means of bringing the fluid into the amalgamator may be employed.

On the shaft E Within the tube A, except where they would conflict with the shield C, is placed a series of radial mixing-arms Z. As shown in the drawings, 'they appear in staggered sets of two, screwed into the shaft E or otherwise suitably attached' thereto and adapted to be revolved within the tube A with but slight clearance. The shaft E carries another series of freeing-arms m, adapted to revolve withinr the tube. B. These arms m are suitably dimensioned and disposed to produce a disturbance of the contents of the tube v13 without producing any substantial intermingling of the mercuryand the gangue. Other means for mixing and freeing may be employed, and I am not limited to those above described, which are merely such as I have found well adapted in practice to effect an efficient mixing and freeing.

In Fig. 2 is diagrammatically shown a generator of electric current, o, which is omitted from Fig. 1 for the sake of clearness. This is electrically connected with the terminals n n, which have access to the interior of the tubes A B, respectively, through suitableinsulating-plugs and are adapted to have contact with the mercury therein contained to cause passage of the current through the mass of intermingled pulp and mercury in the mixing-chamber. The electric current is employed to increase and sustain the activity of the mercury and to prevent the latter from sickening Any means for the passage of a current through the intermingled pulp and mercury may be used; but in practice I have found the employment of an interrupted or alternating current most effective. rlhis amalgamation is employed in thefollowing manner: The two chambers are filled to the roaoet desired level with mercury, `which for the sake of illustration may be indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 2, but in practice is subject to variation. The pulp is fed through the inlet-pipe d to substantially ll the chamber of the tube A, but on entering the said chamber is prevented from dropping on the mercury immediately below and ouring the same by the protecting-shield c. The pulp is preferably fed to the amalgamator, conducted therethrough, and finally removed therefrom through the agency of pressure. As a convenient means for obtaining this pressure I have shown the pulp-inlet pipe surmounted by a hopper suitably elevated above the outlet-passage, so that the desired pressure may be obtained on feeding the pulp to the h-opper. Any other means, however, for obtaining a suitable pressure may be employed. Under the infiuence of pressure the pulp is gradually Worked from the initial end of the mixing-tube A to the settling or freeing tube B. During its passage through the mixing-tube it is subjected to the steady action of the mixing-arms l. rlhis action is Suniciently mild to avoid the fiouring of the mercury, and yet the available space within the mixing-chamber is so restricted that the' particles of pulp are brought into contact with the mercury on slight movement, and the mixing-arms are so dimensioned and disposed that a thorough intermingling of the mercury and pulp is eected before the pulp reaches the settling-chamber. The proportions of the settling-chamber and the size and disposition of the freeing-arms are such that the mixing action ceases here, and the particles of sand and pulp, now intermingled with bits of mercury and amalgam, are set into free circulation. This disturbance of the mixture and the resultant movement of the particles cause a freeing and separation of the heavier bits of mercury and amalgam,which pass downward, while thelighter particles of sand rise andare carried off through the outlet.

Since the outlet-passage is located at the top of the chamber and the pulp passes therethrough under the infiuence of pressure, the settling-chamber is substantially filled with pulp above the line of mercury. It is to be understood, therefore, that the term restricted or confined space as applied to the available space in the mixing-chamber is used in a relative sense, and, further, that it is only used to distinguish a space in which the particles of sand cannot move freely without coming into mixing contact with the mercury from a space in which greater freedom of movement is allowed the sand particles for the separation therefrom of the mercury and the amalgam. It is also to be understood that this term has no reference to the dimensions of such spaces either actual or relative, for it is obvious that greater freedom in the movement of particles of pulp may be obtained in the settling-chamber by a mere change in the shape or proportions of said IOO IZO

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chamber as Well as by an actual change in the dimensions of the same. My invention is not, therefore, limited to chambers of the particular shape, size, or proportions shown and described. It is also to be observed that distinct mixing and settling spaces may be obtained in a receptacle of uniform size and shape by altering in a variety of Ways the characteristics of the space in different parts thereof. By distinct mixing and settling chambers, therefore, I include all such distinct spaces which possess the characteristics described without reference tothe inclosing receptacle. The freeing action of the revolving arms employed in this larger chamber as distinguished from the mixing action in the rst chamber is calculated to increase the circulation of the particles of sand and amalgam and aid the setting process; but as various means may be employed for accomplishing this purpose I am not limited to any particular kind of agitation. It is only necessary that this step should be carried out under such conditions as to aid the free circulation of the sand and the separation of the lighter from the heavier particles by gravitation, As the pulp passes through the settling-chamber it loses more and more of the entrained mercury, and by the time it reaches a position near the outlet-pipe it is free 'from substantially all of the mercury and amalgam and is ready to be carried off through the outlet-passage in the form of gangue. In addition to' giving the particles of the mixture greater freedom of movement and a mild freeing action Within this settling-chamber in distinction to a restricted movement and a mixing action in the amalgamating-chamber I have found it sometimes advantageous to intermingle with the gangue a quantity of Water or other vehicle iiuid, preferably, as it passes from the amalgamating-chamber into the settling-chamber. This I accomplish in the above-described apparatus by admitting Water through the pipe j. The addition of liquid at this point dilutes the pulp, aids the free circulation of the heavier particles, thereby materially improving the settling, and also acts as a vehicle to carry off the gangue through the outlet-passage. I do not, however, regard the means for diluting the pulp as an essential element to my invention.

It is to beobserved that by placing the setthug-chamber in open communication with the mixing-chamber I obtain an unimpeded circulation of the sand or pulp throughout the entire process and that there is no interruption in its passage from the mixing to the settling chamber. The process as above described is a continuous one, The pulp fed into the hopper is brought into contact with a body of mercury and mingled therewith. Under pressure it is carried through the mixing-chamber, and While still under the moving influence of pressure it is so acted upon as to permit a complete separation by settling and a removal of the gangue.

The amalgamation is carried on without interruption until it is desired to Withdraw the mercury and replace it with a fresh charge. The Withdrawal of the mercuryis readily effected through the pipe 72,.

It is to be understood that the structure described and shown, although well adapted, as Lhave found, to carry out my invention in practice, is submitted for illustrative purposes only and that I am not limited to any particular structure or means for carrying it into effect.

I claim- 1. In an amalgamator, the combination of a mixing-chamber havinga pulp-inlet, means for intel-mingling the pulp and mercury therein, a settling-chamber having a less restricted space than the mixing-chamber in communication therewith and adapted to receive the intermingled pulp and mercury therefrom, means in said settling-chamber for circulating and opening up said intermingled mass, a gangue-outlet therefrom and a settling-space therein out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury.

2. In an amalgamator, the combination of a mixing-chamber, mixing means therein, a settling-chamber communicating with said mixing-chamber and having less restricted space than said mixing-chamber, so located as to receive the intermingled substances from said mixing-chamber, freeing means therein for aiding the free circulation of the particles of pulp, an outlet for saidsettling-chamber, said settling-chamber having a settlingspace out of the path of travel of the interminged pulp and mercury, and means to cause the passage of the pulp under pressure through said mixing-chamber, settling-chamber and outlet-passage.

3. In an amalgamator, the combination of a mixing-chamber having a pulp-inlet, mixing means therein, a settling-chamber commuicating with said mixing-chamber having a less restricted space than said mixing-chamber and so located as to receive the intermingled pulp and mercury therefrom, said settling-chamber having a settling-space out of the path of travelof theintermingled pulp and mercury, and means for diluting the intermingled pulp and mercury during its passage through the amalgamator to aid the circulation of the same and the separation of the heavier from the lighter particlesA 4. In an amalgamator, the combination of a mixing-chamber having a pulp-inlet, means forintermingling the pulp and mercury therein, a settling-chamber having a less restricted space than the mixing-chamber in communication therewith and adapted to receive the intermingled pulp and mercury therefrom, means in said settling-chamber for circulating and opening up said intermingled mass, a gangue-outlet therefrom, a settling-space therein out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury, and a source of electricity connected with the interiors of said IOO IIO

chambers to cause passage of the current through the intermingled pulp and mercury.

5. In an amalgamator, the combination of a mixing-chamber, mixing means therein, a pulp-inlet therefor, a substantially horizontal settling-chamber communicating therewith and having an outlet for the gangue at the other end thereof, said settling-chamberhaving a less restricted space than said mixingchamber and having a settling-space outside the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury and means to dilute the pulp during its passage through the amalgamator.

6. In an amalgamator, the combination of a cylinder, a pulp -inlet therefor, mixing means Within said cylinder, a larger, substantially horizontal, stationary cylinder opening therefrom having unobstructed communication and being in substantial alinement there- With, freeing means therein, and an outletpassage leading from said latter cylinder.

7. An amalgamator comprising distinct mixing and settling chambers in open communication, having respectively distinct mixing and freeing means therein, said settlingchamber having less restricted space than said mixing-chamber and having a lsettlingspace out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury, and means for causing the pulp to circulate through said chambers under pressure.

8. An amalgamator comprising distinct mixing and settling chambers in open communication, mixing means in said mixingchamber, said settling-chamber having less restricted space than said mixing-chamber and having a settling-space out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury, means for causing the pulp to circulate through said chambers under pressure, and means for diluting the pulp in its passage.

9.V In an amalgamator, a closed amalgamating-receptacle having inlet and outlet passages and comprising a mixing-chamber with mixing means therein, and a settling-chamber, of less restricted space than said mixingchamber, With settling orfreeing means therein and having a settling-space out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury.

lO. In an amalgamator, an amalgamatingreceptacle, comprising a substantial horizontal mixing-chamber having mixing means therein communicating with a substantially horizontal stationary settling chamber, of less restricted space than said mixing-chamber, having settling means therein and a settling-space out of the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury.

ll. An amalgamator, comprising a mixingchamber, a settling-chamber having a less restricted space than said mixing chamber leading therefrom, and vehiole-iiuid-inlet passage near the initial end of said settlingchamber, said settling-chamber having a settling-space outside the path of travel of the intermingled pulp and mercury.

l2. In an amalgamator a mixing-chamber, a pulp-inlet therefor, mixing means therein, a horizontal chamber of less restricted space communicating therewith at one end and having an overflow-outlet at the other end, and having a settling-space out of the path of travel of the pulp between the inlet and outlet ends.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

PAUL A.'KNAPPE.

I/Vitnesses:

EVERETT S. EMERY, THOMAS B. BOOTH. 

